Yuriy Stukov, MD, MS

Hi, I’m Dr. Yuriy Stukov. I’m a thoracic transplant surgeon at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where I serve as a faculty member in the Division of Thoracic Surgery within the Department of Surgery. I’m part of the Heart and Lung Transplant and ECMO Program, with a focus on complex thoracic procedures, mechanical circulatory support and organ transplantation.

I completed my medical training in both Ukraine and the United States, which has given me a broad and diverse clinical perspective. My advanced training centers on heart and lung surgery, with particular emphasis on transplant medicine and mechanical circulatory support systems.

In addition to my clinical work, I’m actively involved in research to improve donor heart and lung preservation techniques and enhance outcomes in cardiopulmonary transplantation. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the U.S. and Europe to advance the science and practice of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery.

Teaching is an important part of my work. I’m dedicated to training the next generation of surgeons and physician-scientists, and I work closely with medical students and residents to emphasize safe surgical practices and evidence-based care.

Above all, I’m committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. I understand the emotional and physical challenges that come with major surgery or transplantation, and I strive to support patients and their families every step of the way with clarity, empathy, and expertise.

Dr. Yuriy Stukov is a thoracic transplant surgeon at the University of Florida, Gainesville, where he serves as a faculty member in the Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery. He is an integral part of the Heart, Lung Transplant and ECMO Program, specializing in complex thoracic procedures, mechanical circulatory support, and organ transplantation.

Dr. Stukov received his medical training in both Ukraine and the United States, bringing a broad and diverse clinical perspective to his practice. His advanced training spans heart and lung surgery, with a focus on transplant medicine and mechanical circulatory support systems.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Stukov is actively involved in research aimed at improving preservation techniques for donor hearts and lungs and enhancing outcomes in cardiopulmonary transplantation. He has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams across the U.S. and Europe to advance the science and practice of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery.

As a dedicated educator, Dr. Stukov is committed to training the next generation of surgeons and physician-scientists. He teaches medical students and residents, emphasizing safe surgical techniques and evidence-based care.

Dr. Stukov is known for his compassionate, patient-centered approach. He understands the emotional and physical challenges of facing major surgery or transplantation and is committed to guiding patients and their families through every step of the journey with clarity, empathy, and expert care.

My research interests are development of cardioprotective additives and techniques to expand pool of donated human hearts. I am also interested in prevention and treatment of heart failure. This have led to establishment of ex-vivo isolated perfusion of beating heart in the lab and invention of device that facilitate safe organ procurement: U.S. patent “A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORGAN PERFUSION DURING DONOR ORGAN PROCUREMENT”. During my postdoctoral training, my research focus was to understand the role of cold ischemia and interventions to extend myocardial tolerance.